Vehicle Suspension Feedback Control for Sag and Damping Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many vehicles, particularly mountain bikes and motorcycles, are ridden with improper suspension initial settings, leading to suboptimal handling and comfort due to incorrect sag and damping settings, which affect steering geometry and rider experience.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors and a processor that measure operational characteristics of vehicle suspension, providing data for adjusting sag, rebound damping, and compression settings to optimize the riding experience through a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If suspension settings are adjusted manually without measurement tools, then the adjustment process is simple, but the suspension settings are improper leading to suboptimal handling and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with electronic sensors and digital processing systems. Sensors mounted on the vehicle measure suspension travel, sag, and rebound characteristics automatically, converting mechanical measurements into electronic signals that are processed by a controller to provide precise, objective data for suspension adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to be self-contained and automatically perform measurements without requiring external measurement tools or complex setup procedures. The sensors mounted on the vehicle automatically capture suspension characteristics during normal operation or static positioning, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices and procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If suspension settings are fixed at factory defaults, then the device complexity is low, but the suspension settings do not adapt to different riders and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic suspension adjustment capabilities where the system can adapt to different riding conditions and rider preferences. The controller processes sensor data and provides real-time feedback or automatic adjustment of suspension parameters, allowing the suspension characteristics to change dynamically rather than remaining fixed, thereby improving adaptability without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor suspension performance and communicate this information to a controller. The controller analyzes the data and provides feedback to the rider through a user interface or automatically adjusts suspension settings, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to actual riding conditions and rider needs.
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive sensor measurement systems are implemented, then the suspension adjustment accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the measurement and control system to perform multiple functions using integrated components. The sensor system measures various suspension parameters (sag, rebound, compression) simultaneously, and the controller handles data processing, analysis, and user interface functions in a single integrated unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary controller that acts as a mediator between the sensors and the suspension adjustment process. The controller consolidates data from multiple sensors, processes the information centrally, and provides unified output for adjustment, simplifying the interface between measurement and adjustment functions while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus of a system for vehicles comprising a vehicle suspension, a sensor operable to measure an operational characteristic of the vehicle suspension, and a processor in communication with the sensor that is operable to suggest an operational setting of the vehicle suspension in response to an input from the sensor corresponding to the operational characteristic. A method for adjusting a suspension of a vehicle may comprise receiving suspension data with a processor, calculating a suspension setting suggestion with the processor, communicating the suspension setting suggestion to a user interface device, and adjusting the suspension based on the suspension setting suggestion.